England have arrived in Auckland ahead of the World Cup and were greeted by a rousing reception from about 100 fans.

Martin Johnson's men progressed into the Auckland Airport's arrival lounge at approximately 5.30am (NZ) on Wednesday and were immediately faced with a typical Maori welcome -the Haka. But as well as the traditional Kiwi welcome, they were welcomed by a hoard of expat supporters who had arrived in all manner of face paint and red rose embroidered clothing.

And England coach Johnson was delighted with the reception. When addressing the crowd he said: "Just what we need to wake us up after a long flight. We're finally here; it should be a great turnout."

England open their World Cup campaign against Argentina in Dunedin on September 10 but Johnson announced that England would stay in Auckland until Sunday to recover from their jet-lag. And the Auckland faithful will have another chance to see their heroes when England return to the City of Sails for their final Pool B clash with Scotland on October 1.

In other arrivals on Wednesday, Japan touched down just after England with France appearing through the arrival gates later in the afternoon.